Distributed file system

Abstract

The invention relates to a distributed file system and method for distributing files between computing devices (10-22) of at least one group of computing devices (10-22) in which files are distributed automatically upon the networking of two or more computing devices (10-22). In the preferred embodiment, the user is not required to invoke any file distribution application as this is effected automatically. Advantageously, all files in a shared file directory are distributed to all computers (10-22) in the group and stored in a usable format such that every computer (10-22) is able to read and write to a shared file even when not networked to other computers (10-22) in the group. File distribution is preferably carried out in a non-specific manner and in a one-for-all manner. The system is very suitable for networks with low connectivity patterns between the computers.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a distributed file system for distributing files within at least one group of computers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] For many years there have been systems for distributing files within groups of computers, typically computer networks. A typical arrangement involves the provision of a server within the network which allows access to filed stored therein by a plurality of computers connected in the network. The files are typically stored in the server and managed thereby. [0003] Another form of file distribution creates replicas of files onto individual computers within a network. The replicas can be worked upon at the individual computers. Replication improves the performance and availability in distributed networks by allowing access to the data even when some of the replicas or network links are not available. Performance is also improved by allowing access to nearby replicas and thereby avoiding expensive remot...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] In the preferred embodiment, there is no need for a user to invoke specifically any reconciliation algorithm or application linked to the files being reconciled, this being carried out automatically. Thus, upon the simple networking of two or more computers, file reconciliation takes place. This has the additional advantage that the user does not need to carry out specific file reconciliations when he/she requires those files. This embodiment could be described as providing file reconciliation in a mann

Problems solved by technology

The provision of file replicas in a distributed system creates issues of managing the content of files where this content is likely to be modified at different and disconnected computers.

While such “pessimistic replication algorithms” work well, they are not particularly suited to wide area networks because they tend to be slow and unreliable.

The determination of the timing of updates can be problematic because computer clocks are invariably unreliable, with the result one cannot necessarily

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